Sophomores: The New Drivers by Nikki McNeil
Being a sophomore is very important for students. Not only is it one of the most challenging years academically, it is also the year that many kids turn 16. Turning 16 is a big deal to many, for many different reasons. One of the biggest reasons: the ability to drive. Driving equals freedom for most kids. The ability to get from place to place without having to rely on parents.
Two newly driving sophomores are Alayah Nieuwsma and Elliana Zolper. They have both been driving since late last summer. Here is what Alayah had to say about the experience:
Do you like being able to drive?
Alayah: “Yes, I love it. It’s very freeing, and I love how independent it makes me feel.“
Do you have your own car?
Alayah: “Kind of. Currently I'm driving a family car. My parents bought it for new drivers in my family, because I have 10 siblings, which means lots of upcoming drivers. But it definitely feels like my car, and I'm the only one who tends to drive it. “
Do you drive very often?
Alayah: “Yes. I drive to all my school activities, and I'm able to go most places by myself.”
What does it mean for you personally to be able to drive?
Alayah: “It means that I have freedom, and I have the opportunity to go to places that I normally wouldn't be able to go. I also don't always have to wait for my parents to take me everywhere.”
And here is Elliana’s interview:
Do you like being able to drive?
Elliana: “Yea, it's a little scary though, because I know that there are a lot of unsafe drivers out there. I'm not an unsafe driver, I mean, let's just get that out there. Sometimes it's hard to focus, and music can be distracting, so it really is scary.”
Do you have your own car?
Elliana: “No, so my dad has his business car and no one is allowed to drive that, and my mom's car, I can drive that, but she usually needs that so it can be hard. I'll probably get a car when I'm 16 and a half or 17.
Do you drive very often?
Elliana: “Here and there, when I have the car.”
What does it mean for you personally to be able to drive?
Elliana: “It means that I have the freedom to go wherever I want, whenever I want. It gives me time away from people, like my family. Sometimes, if my family doesn't want to go somewhere, I still can. It just gives me more options and more opportunity to be responsible.”
Two newly driving sophomores are Alayah Nieuwsma and Elliana Zolper. They have both been driving since late last summer. Here is what Alayah had to say about the experience:
Do you like being able to drive?
Alayah: “Yes, I love it. It’s very freeing, and I love how independent it makes me feel.“
Do you have your own car?
Alayah: “Kind of. Currently I'm driving a family car. My parents bought it for new drivers in my family, because I have 10 siblings, which means lots of upcoming drivers. But it definitely feels like my car, and I'm the only one who tends to drive it. “
Do you drive very often?
Alayah: “Yes. I drive to all my school activities, and I'm able to go most places by myself.”
What does it mean for you personally to be able to drive?
Alayah: “It means that I have freedom, and I have the opportunity to go to places that I normally wouldn't be able to go. I also don't always have to wait for my parents to take me everywhere.”
And here is Elliana’s interview:
Do you like being able to drive?
Elliana: “Yea, it's a little scary though, because I know that there are a lot of unsafe drivers out there. I'm not an unsafe driver, I mean, let's just get that out there. Sometimes it's hard to focus, and music can be distracting, so it really is scary.”
Do you have your own car?
Elliana: “No, so my dad has his business car and no one is allowed to drive that, and my mom's car, I can drive that, but she usually needs that so it can be hard. I'll probably get a car when I'm 16 and a half or 17.
Do you drive very often?
Elliana: “Here and there, when I have the car.”
What does it mean for you personally to be able to drive?
Elliana: “It means that I have the freedom to go wherever I want, whenever I want. It gives me time away from people, like my family. Sometimes, if my family doesn't want to go somewhere, I still can. It just gives me more options and more opportunity to be responsible.”